Of course each of you on the wait list is aware of that. And I have no doubt anxiously awaiting this post. A couple litters back I decided it's best to keep things under wraps until things are all said and done and I've had a chance to make my phone calls prior to posting. Unfortunately I had some disappointing calls to make this go round. For that, as always, I'm sorry.
I know or have been told ultrasounds can't be trusted for number. As a rule they're used for the purpose of confirming pregnancy alone. But based on ultrasound I was expecting at least six pups and had hoped for eight. We have four. I've only used ultrasounds a couple times in the past and I'm not sure I'll use them going forward. They're simply an additional cost and provide an answer I can basically call on my own simply by knowing and looking at my dogs. If not by day 30 -for sure by day 40.
Outside of coming up short to satisfy our reservation list, I'm super happy with the litter and with Ritz! Pups are perfect and healthy and each a pound or over. But Ritz! Wow!!! What a fabulous mom! She was surprisingly calm from beginning to end. Minimal nesting, minimal pacing and or panting leading up to and including full out labor. As we waited for her first pup and between pups -she slept! She was so calm I worried. I kept watching her wondering if she was ok. I'd wake her up to find her immediately spring to life and then I'd feel bad for waking her. Finally, I just went with it deciding she was fine. Just unusually calm. And I let her rest.
Our first pup arrived at 11:30 pm Friday and the others followed early Saturday morning. Late morning into early afternoon we both, especially I, caught up on sleep! And since -Ritz has shown her innate mothering skills and I breath sighs of relief!!!
I've bestowed upon her a well deserved Award Of Excellence. I kid you not when I say she's proving herself to be a seriously great mom!!!! Phenomenal actually!
I took a few photos of Ritz alone and of her pups as they entered the world. Being involved in the whelping process is an experience I cherish and one that's sadly missed if and when labor results in the need of C-section. I was desperately in need of a litter with zero complications for my own sanity and confidence. Ritz gave me that.
For those of you who've followed my past litters you know there'll be a slew of photos going forward. This page is set up in blog format to enable people to comment and question. I encourage both. I'm available by phone or email as well for anything of a more personal nature but for the most part... the blog is where you'll get the best updates on your pups. Everything from day to day life, to issues that may arise, of which I hope there are none, to docking and cropping appointments as they're secured etc etc. And finally around week six to seven I'll have each of you on Ritz's waitlist come for a visit where you'll interact with and select your pup.
This evening I got everyone in identifier. A colored collar for each. First weights were obtained and posted.
And tomorrow is a new day!
My
Sleeping Beauty!
and another boy completes the family @ 2:30 am
Settling in!
And.... Already climbing -seeking a spot on top!
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